Depot Operator: Operations and Product Quality

Job Purpose:

To safely and efficiently operate fuel depot facilities, manage the receipt of petroleum products from vessels, maintain product quality standards, monitor storage and transfer operations, and ensure compliance with operational, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

Principal Accountabilities:

Depot Operational Support

• Ensure the availability and receipt of the correct products in the correct quantities into stock.
• Ensure products are stored safely in accordance with company policies, procedures, and operating instructions.
• Ensure the correct products and quantities are stored in designated storage facilities and maintain accurate stock records.
• Coordinate vessel discharge operations with vessel personnel, inspectors, surveyors, and depot management.
• Conduct pre-transfer safety inspections and verify all transfer documentation prior to product receipt.
• Monitor vessel unloading operations, product transfer rates, pressures, temperatures, and tank levels to ensure safe and efficient product movement.
• Operate pumps, valves, manifolds, loading arms, and associated equipment during vessel receipt and product transfer operations.
• Manage product movements between storage tanks, pipelines, and loading facilities in accordance with operating procedures.
• Maintain operational logs, shift records, inventory records, and product transfer documentation.
• Conduct routine inspections of tanks, pipelines, pumps, and depot equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Ensure stock counts and tank dipping activities are completed according to the approved schedule.
• Perform minor plant maintenance and support equipment isolation and maintenance activities as instructed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and hazard-free work environment and respond promptly to operational abnormalities, leaks, spills, or emergency situations.
• Ensure compliance with marine receiving procedures, industry standards, HSSE requirements, and company operating procedures.
• Support day-to-day operational activities when required by line manager.

Product Quality Assurance

• Conduct product sampling during vessel receipts, tank transfers, and other operational activities in accordance with approved procedures.
• Execute and/or facilitate accurate product testing in accordance with inspection plans, specifications, and approved test methods.
• Verify that products comply with quality specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer standards.
• Ensure laboratory procedures, test methods, forms, and documentation are current, controlled, and properly maintained.
• Monitor contamination prevention measures and ensure segregation of petroleum products throughout receipt, storage, and transfer operations.
• Review test results and recommend product adjustments where required to achieve specification and formulation requirements.
• Identify, report, investigate, and support corrective actions for off-specification or non-conforming products.
• Maintain quality records, certificates of analysis, test reports, and related documentation.
• Support the validation and verification of test methods to ensure suitability and compliance with quality management requirements.
• Contribute to achieving product conformity and "Right First Time" quality objectives through effective quality control and monitoring.

Equipment Management

• Conduct first-line troubleshooting and report equipment faults to minimize downtime and maximize operational availability.
• Monitor equipment performance, utilization, and condition to ensure reliable depot and laboratory operations.
• Support preventative maintenance activities and ensure equipment is available and fit for purpose.
• Ensure equipment manuals, procedures, calibration records, and operating instructions are available, current, and suitable for equipment in use.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of quality management systems, operating procedures, test methods, equipment operation, and calibration requirements.
• Monitor the condition of depot infrastructure and operational equipment and escalate maintenance requirements as necessary.
• Support inspections, audits, and compliance activities relating to depot equipment and product quality systems.

Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE)

• Comply with all HSSE policies, procedures, and permit-to-work systems.
• Participate in toolbox talks, risk assessments, and safety meetings.
• Ensure correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report hazards, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
• Support emergency response and spill response activities.
• Maintain housekeeping standards throughout the depot.
• Contribute to a zero-harm safety culture.

Requirements

Job Knowledge, Skills & Experiences:

• NQF Level 6 Diploma in Chemistry
• OR N3 Technical qualification in Chemical, Mechanical, Process, Petroleum, Maritime Operations, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years' experience in petroleum storage, terminal, refinery, marine, or fuel depot operations.
• Experience with vessel receipt operations and fuel transfer systems preferred.
• Experience in petroleum product quality control and sampling.
• Shift work, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 will be an added advantage.

Closing Date: 28 October 2026.